Information on Sleeping Bags and Comfortable Sleeping
While Camping
Victor Epand
You really need to decide what sort of weather you are most likely to
use your sleeping bag in. If you are going to use it in a dry
environment where you can air it then a down bag still gives better
insulation weight for weight than a man made filling bag will do. A
good quality down bag will, with the right care last longer (maintain
its loft) as well. However if damp, a man made fiber bag may provide
better warmth. Here are some preferences:
1) Use a combination of bags. Have a 2-3 season insulated sleeping bag
that you can use with either cotton or fleece liner. This allows best
matching the insulation with the prevailing weather conditions and so
preventing overheating and excessive sweating which will dampen the
fill of the sleeping bag. It takes up a bit more room than a single bag
but it worth the space. It also means that the sleeping bag needs less
washing and that the liners can be washed more often without damaging
the sleeping bag. The liners are also easier to air, dry and wash while
camping.
3) Make sure you can care and do care for the bags as detailed in their
instructions. Most bags need to be kept "uncompressed" (lying flat
(under a bed on a wardrobe) or hanging, not in their compression sack.
4) Budget for, buy and use a sleeping bag liner.
5) Most of heat loss is through the base of the bag (the bit you lie
on) as the filling is compressed so make sure you have a good ground
mat.
6) Get a breathable (it is very important that it is breathable)
sleeping bag cover. It will add about 3/4 (.75) of a season to your bag
(my estimate).
How you avoid slipping and sliding in sleeping bag on a pad? You could
try to sleep on a cot. You could try to put some Velcro on your
sleeping bag and pad which would keep you from slipping and sliding off
your pad. Another idea is to put something on the sides of your pad or
dig a small trench for your pad. This would in effect put some edges on
your pad and keep you in your bag.
There are several choices when it comes to sleeping pads. First,
there's the typical air mattress, which must be blown up, usually by a
battery-operated pump or a foot pump. It is comfortable, with good
insulation against cold ground, but a bit of work, also, a bit bulky
and subject to leaking from time to time.
Second, you have the Thermarest style pads; requires only a little
mouth-delivered air, but only from 1/2 to 1 and 1/2 inch thick;
relatively comfortable, good insulation from cold ground, durable,
rolls into a small bundle. For car camping, go with the thickest
mattress, as weight is not an issue. Also, lengths vary, as do widths,
so get what fits your needs.
Finally, there are the foam pads - various thicknesses, no work, most
durable, pretty good insulation against cold ground, roll into small
bundles, multiple uses due to durability, but probably the least
comfortable. Get a thick pad (more than an inch thick), and you should
be all right.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for
http://www.CombatCloth.info/
.
CombatCloth.info carries the best selection of combat clothing, gear,
and accessories on the market: http://www.CombatCloth.info/categories/adventure-
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